A tragic multi-vehicle collision in Limpopo has claimed the lives of **three children and a woman**, leaving families devastated and renewing urgent calls for safer driving on the province’s roads. The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of **Sunday, 11 January**, along the **N1-26 Ysterberg route in the Capricorn District**.
According to provincial transport authorities, the crash involved **three vehicles** and was triggered by reckless driving. Preliminary reports indicate that an unidentified motorist attempted to overtake illegally on a barrier line, forcing another driver to take evasive action. In the process, a **Haval SUV swerved and collided head-on with a Toyota sedan**, which was carrying the victims. Moments later, a **Volkswagen sedan crashed into the same Toyota**, worsening the impact.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the occupants of the Toyota — **three children and the woman driving the vehicle** — were declared dead on arrival. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents describing the incident as heartbreaking and completely avoidable.
The driver of the Volkswagen sedan sustained **serious injuries** and was transported to hospital, where he remains in critical condition. The driver of the Haval SUV escaped with minor injuries and was treated at the scene. The driver believed to have caused the crash by reckless overtaking **fled the scene** and is currently being sought by police.
Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC **Violet Mathye** strongly condemned the reckless behaviour that led to the tragedy. She described the loss of innocent lives, particularly those of children, as devastating and unnecessary. The MEC called on law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to locate the driver who fled and ensure that justice is served.
Authorities have reiterated that dangerous overtaking, speeding, and ignoring road markings remain among the leading causes of fatal crashes in the province. The N1-26 route, like many major roads in Limpopo, carries heavy traffic and has seen multiple deadly accidents in recent years.
The department extended its **deepest condolences** to the grieving families and wished those injured a speedy recovery. Officials also urged motorists to take responsibility for their actions behind the wheel, warning that one reckless decision can permanently destroy lives and families.
This crash occurred on the same day as another deadly incident in Limpopo, where several people lost their lives after an **overloaded minibus taxi overturned**. The back-to-back tragedies have once again highlighted the ongoing crisis of road safety in the province.
As investigations continue, community members and road safety advocates are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, harsher penalties for reckless driving, and greater public awareness campaigns. For now, families are left to mourn the sudden loss of loved ones, while authorities work to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
